Banquet With The King

Saturday, June 21, 2025

What is it Going to Cost You?

Everything costs something. Look around you. The chair you are sitting in had a price…and the space it takes in your home cost you an amount of money to purchase and maintain.

Consider the situation in the world today—especially between Israel and Iran. Jesus gave some applicable advice. Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. Any president or national leader considers the cost before sending his troops, planes, or drones into battle. War is expensive—in terms of lives, of dollars for equipment and weapons, and then the consideration of the aftermath destruction. Yes. There is an outlandish cost involved in conflicts.

Take up your cross.
Can you trust Jesus to be your Savior?
What is it going to cost you?

What is it going to cost you to become a disciple of Jesus? What are you going to have to give up, do without or leave behind? Jesus tells us in the focus passage below that you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Are you willing to do that? What are you going to gain by believing in Jesus as your Savior and following Him? You will gain an eternity with Jesus and benefit by having the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Who wouldn’t want those qualities in their life especially during times of turmoil. We all have turbulent times—some more than others—but Jesus is with us always. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. I claim that promise often. For me—the benefits of having Jesus as my Savior and being His disciple outweigh the cost. Have you considered what it is going to cost you to be a disciple of Jesus?

A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!' Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:25-33

Prayer – Lord, show me the cost in my own life. Hate is a strong word—but love is even stronger and I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank you for being my Savior and guide me as I follow in Your footsteps as Your disciple.

Meditate. Consider what it means to be a disciple.

Verses of Salvation ~ Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue (salvation), LORD, so I have obeyed your commands. I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much. Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do. Taw O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. ... O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. Psalm 119:165-170, 174-175

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Friday, June 20, 2025

Hopeful Plans

Hope in the Promised Land--
--at the Sea of Galilee.

God made the promise of a plan for the Hebrew people while they were captive in Babylon—to bring them home to Israel and to restore their lives. A lot of Christians today use this scripture to remind each other of the hope that we all have today…and in our future. We can see how God worked in the lives of the Hebrew people in Babylon—after 70 years He brought them back home. Of course, we need to remind ourselves of why they were in Babylon in the first place—disobedience. It was a punishment for them to be taken captive to Babylon. After they had paid their dues—served their time so to speak—God brought them back to the Promised Land and instructed them to rebuild the Temple, the wall around the city of Jerusalem and their lives. Rebuilding their lives. That was important. They needed to focus on God. He was the source of their hope. Could they see that? So many of them over the generations had lost their vision. Did some of the Israelites ever have a vision of who God was and what He wanted them to do?

Relationship and Obedience. I think those are the key words. The words that foster and encourage hope. God promised that He had plans for them for a future…a future with Him. A relationship with Him in the Promised Land. A land that He had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A land that He had brought the children of Israel—those descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—out of bondage in Egypt to a territory flowing with milk and honey. A land where God expected them to worship Him, not idols. A land where obedience and respect were necessary. When that didn’t happen, God lost hope in His people and banished them to Babylon. Then it was time to start again. God had plans for them that included His promise of hope. Trust in Jesus.

Do you see God working in your life today? Do you see a picture of you and God together that includes hope?

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer – Lord God, give us hope—and may we spread and share Your hope with others—who may be in desperate need of it. Hope is important for life.

Meditate. Consider God’s promise of hope.

Verse of Salvation ~ Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." Titus 3:3-7

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Breakfast has the power to refresh us and provide energy for the upcoming day. Here's a family favorite that you can double or triple.

Dutch Baby Pancake – serves 2

3 eggs

¾ cup milk

½ tsp vanilla

¾ cup gluten-free flour blend or regular flour

½ tsp cinnamon plus more to garnish

¼ tsp freshly ground salt

2 Tbsp butter

1 apple, sliced thinly

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Melt the butter in a ten- or 12-inchc cast iron skillet. Add the sliced apples, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and cook for a few minutes. Wisk or blend ingredients together in a blender beginning with the eggs and milk. Add flour, salt, cinnamon. Pour the batter over the apples. Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned. If using a convection oven, it may only take 15 minutes. Divide the pancake into two portions. Serve with toppings of your choice like fresh chopped berries or fruit, peanut butter, jelly, syrup, powdered sugar, or brown sugar. Sprinkle more cinnamon onto the pancake if you like.

Doubling the recipe will serve about six. Enjoy!

Post revived and recycled from April 27, 2017 Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Are You Faithful and Ready?

Are you a checklist person? Do you set goals…and then daily reach to attain some little action to reach that goal. So spiritually, what are your goals?

Are you ready for service?

Is your lamp burning—are you filled with the Holy Spirit?

Are you ready to open the door for Christ? Are you asking Him to be part of your life?

Do you trust God with the little details and the big decisions in your life?

How do you want to grow spiritually?

Do you want to help others grow spiritually?

What scripture do you want to memorize?

Are there things for which you need to repent?

Are you ready for Christ’s return?

Jesus told His disciples to be ready since they wouldn’t know the hour or the day that He would return. Those who are ready will be rewarded.

- You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 12:40

- The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! Luke 12:37

- When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:3

So, it is time to be ready—and those who aren’t will be like dead vines—they’ll be trimmed off. Each person will make their own choice. Love God—and be a faithful follower or reject God and be thrown into the fire.

No fruit on this tree....so it was chopped down.
Are you producing fruit...love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
If not...will you be cut down?
Are you faithful and ready?

Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9

Are you faithful and ready?

Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. Luke 12:35-38

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I feel like I am about as ready as I can ever be. Is there anything else I need to do to get ready for Your return?

Meditate. Consider how to prepare for the possible impending end times.

Verse of Salvation ~ For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, "People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:23-25

Revised and reused from August 13 2023, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

What Happens Next?

Jerusalem - Israel
The Jews are back in the Holy Land.
What will happen next?
God has a plan. Trust Him.

Wars. Rumors of war. That’s just what is happening now. But hasn’t that happened throughout history? Yep! History repeats itself…but look at how Bible prophecy has been fulfilled. Israel is back in the Promised Land and her enemies have attacked her. Reports of the current Israel-Iran conflict are available instantly with the high speed of information exchange. This does not appear to be history repeated. Watch as this unfold—and don’t be afraid for yourself or for the Israelites. God is in this and ultimately though many lives will be lost—those in the family of God will be spiritually protected for eternity.

Are you part of God’s family? Even if you are not a Jew—God’s chosen people—you can be adopted into God’s family and receive His eternal protection.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7

Whatever happens next, those who have accepted Christ as their Savior and thus become part of God’s family will be spiritually protected by our loving God. Will you be part of God’s family?

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. ... Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:3-8, 12-14

Prayer – Lord God, Abba Father, thank you for Your plan—to save the world by sacrificing Your only son. I am overwhelmed by Your love and compassion. I praise You father God, Jesus my Savior, and the Holy Spirit.

Meditate. Consider how it will be to see God face to face having been adopted into His family.

Verse of Salvation ~ Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end. Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there. "No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the LORD your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the LORD will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end. All your people will be righteous. They will possess their land forever, for I will plant them there with my own hands in order to bring myself glory. The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen." Isaiah 60:18-22

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

What Can You Do?

We each have a lot of choices to make on a daily…even minute by minute…basis. If you read your Bible daily…even occasionally…you know that God expects obedience. Listen and obey is a common directive, as you will find both those words in at least twenty-two verses.

“What shall I do?” was a question asked several times by people in the crowds following Jesus. He replied to them, “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself” which summarizes the Ten Commandments. How do you achieve that level of obedience? May I suggest that you begin with prayer? There are many examples in the Bible of times that people prayed before they started doing anything. Maybe we should be like David and ask God to listen to our prayer.

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Psalm 17:6

The Gossips
Utah's Arches National Park
Are listening to each other?
Would they listen to God?

Pray. Listen. Obey. Listening is a two-way exchange of information. If only one person exclusive speaks and the other just only listens, then it is not a mutual conversation. It is a monologue or a dictatorship if one person dominates the conversation. God wants to hear from us individually—and speak into our hearts. What can you do?

However, if you do not listen to me or obey all these commands, and if you break my covenant by rejecting my decrees, treating my regulations with contempt, and refusing to obey my commands, I will punish you. I will bring sudden terrors upon you—wasting diseases and burning fevers that will cause your eyes to fail and your life to ebb away. You will plant your crops in vain because your enemies will eat them. ... And if, in spite of all this, you still disobey me, I will punish you seven times over for your sins. Leviticus 26:14-16, 18

Prayer – Lord Jesus, once again…I’m listening. It is powerful listening to You…and seeing You interact with those who “follow” You. Open my eyes and heart to see things that I can do for our church and for our community. Thank you for listening to me and for the blessings that I anticipate coming to me and flowing through me.

Meditate. Read God’s word, then listen and obey.

Verse of Salvation ~ I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just. Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue (salvation), LORD, so I have obeyed your commands. I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much. Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do. Psalm 119:164-168

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, June 16, 2025

Regrets?

Like these migrating Sandhill Cranes...
don't look back. Press On to the Goal.

I’m sure you’ve had sometimes in your life that you wished you had done something differently—or made an alternate choice that would have taken you down a different path. Haven’t we all. Some just don’t want to admit it. I’ve plenty of “should have, could have, woulddah” associated with different events, but I am where I am today…and I wouldn’t change that. I’m content, for the moment. Pressing on with the goal of perfection in Christ. What about you? What would you change if you could? Any regrets? Do you wish you had a time machine and could go back and do some things another way…or not at all? What are your goals?

Life isn’t always fair. Accidents and illness happen—often beyond our control but that radically change what is happening in our lives and the lives of our family and friends. Those are the changepoints that we wish that could alter. Why does God allow bad things to happen? Question of the day…year…eternity? Does anyone actually have an answer? What can we do with our regrets and disappointments? Our only response can be that of what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on.

Can you do that? I can only try…and rely on the Lord to give me strength. I pray the same for you. Press on to what lies ahead. My hope for you is that your future holds an eternity with Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Is He your Savior, too? Seek Him with all of your heart…and as He promised, you will find Him. Begin by reading the book of John in the New Testament. Repent of your sins. Believe and be saved. I’ll see you in eternity serving Jesus, our Lord and King. No regrets.

I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians 3:12-16

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for going to the cross for us…for saving us from our sin and the evil that is prevalent in our world. You are the light. Shine brightly to guide us as we press on to reach the heavenly prize that is promised to those who believe in You.

Meditate. Press on to the goal.

Verse of Salvation ~ You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Who Knows?

Who knows? Life seemed meaningless to Solomon, the wisest and richest man in that part of the world, at that time—and things haven’t changed much. Solomon had all he wanted, but he wasn’t content. Life now can seem pretty meaningless—unless you know Jesus Christ as your own savior, and friend. Don’t be content with your day-to-day life caught up in endless chatter about the weather and some television show or electronic game. Seek God. He knows us…and what we need.

God…knows the secrets of every heart. Psalm 44:21

God has a plan...for the butterfly and for us.
Life with a new birth in Jesus Christ...
gives our life meaning, hope, and joy--
even in tragic times.
Trust God,

God has a plan, but we are not His puppets. He has given humanity free will—we have a choice. What will you choose to do today? Who knows?

God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want, but then he doesn't give them the chance to enjoy these things. They die, and someone else, even a stranger, ends up enjoying their wealth! This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy. ... Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless--like chasing the wind. Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there's no use arguing with God about your destiny. The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they? In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow. Who can tell what will happen on this earth after we are gone? Ecclesiastes 6:2, 9-12

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for allowing us to have free will—and the ability to choose. Help us to choose wisely. Just as You prayed to our Heavenly Father…Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Luke 10:21-22

Meditate. Consider your free will and the choices you make.

Verse of Salvation ~ In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight. - Luke 10:21 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories